Quinn strikes up friendship with businesses

Mon, 14 May 2012 05:13:12 CDTBy: AP

Governor Pat Quinn has built his career as a populist. But as he tries to cut spending and fix a broken state budget Quinn finds his closest allies in the business community. Though some say they want to see more details, business leaders say they generally back Quinn's plans to cut Medicaid and state-worker pensions. Illinois Chamber of Commerce President Doug Whitley says he's more comfortable with Quinn and his ideas right now than he's ever been. Some of the business support is qualified. Whitley notes the chamber isn't behind every detail. Quinn's more traditional allies aren't impressed. The head of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees in Illinois says she was shocked by the governor's plans after a legislative vote backing one of his ideas this week.